Sacramento daily record-union. [volume] (Sacramento [Calif.]) 1875-1891, 1887-12-19
LOVELY OREGON,
OF for Portland-The Grand Sight En-
joyed by the Excursionists.

on for Portiand-The Grand Sight En-
joyed by the Excursionists.
lCopyrigE, 1857, by 1s California Associated Iressi
RosEBURG or. December 1S.h.-The
last-spike excursion train has taken its
flight to-day through one of the most beau
tltul and picturesque stretches of country
on the whole Pacific coast-over high
ranges of hills, thickly covered with splen-
did timber; through rich and fertile valleys,
thickly settled by prosperous farmers; along
dashing streams of water filled with mount
ain trout, and through hamlets, villages
and towns that gave evidences OF new life
and activity. Scarcely a section upon this
continent could be selected where days
Journey could be made through more
VARIED AND INTERESTING SCENERY.
While other roads may pass through
scenes OF more massive grandeur, none can
boast of more impressive and picturesque
interest. Viewed from the standpoint of
the future possibilities of this region, under
the first impulses of through railroad COM
munication with the great markets of the
world, the importance of this section can
hardly be oyerestimated. The timber
along the line is of untold wealth in itself.
and its importation into the markets OF
California over the the new line of railroad
Will SUM tildht lAScil ltll. llNl OillN dIuOUE
the lumber dealers, but in the pockets OF
the consumers.
oEEGON's PRODUCTS EXHIBITED.
The display of corn, grain and vegetables
and fruit at the various stations provided a
great surprise for most of the Californians.
The famous Oregon apple, Of hundred
choice varieties, and of most delicious
flavor, was feature of every exhibit, and
it is safe to say that no place on the earth
can surpass this in the production Of that
fruit in all its perfection.
Specimens of sawed, planed and milled
lumber were also displayed at several
points, and excited the admiration Of all.
1t has been sightseeing day, and one
which was worth the whole trip from San
Francisco.
FROM ASHLAND NORTH.
The train LETT Ashland al o'clock in the
morning, and was soon out in the beautiful
valley OF the Rogue river 1t was a de-
iightlally clear aud bright day, with inst
enough crisp chilliness in the breezy air TO
put life and vigor into the frame of man.
Looking to the east the newlv-plowed
fields indicated the stimulus which the ag-
ricultural interests had received by the
completion of the road The settlers along
the line we're out with their wives and
families waving their handkerchiefs and
shouting welcome TO the flying train
In some instances q farmer would point
with pride towards his farm, where the
rich black-loam land could be seen freshly
turned over by the plow, as much as to say.
" This was formerly pasture, but with
railroad facilities we will raise grain and
send il down TO your California markets"
There were some old orchards, and MANY
new ones, and fields plowed like checker
boards, indicating that other orchards were
being planted.
A FARMERS PARADISE.
Ten miles further on Phoenix was
reached, where the valley brOadens out on
the west, broad, level stretch to the Coast
Range of mountains and on the east a
rolling country as beautiful and fertile as
the famous bluegrass region of Kentucky.
though lacking its high state of cultivation.
Medford was reached at 7:30, and here
the people were assembled in large num-
bers, with q band of music. to greet the
excursion. Here was fine display of fruit
and vegetables, and large placard reading:
Medford gives you greeting! Help your
self!' The invitation was accepted, and
apples formed the principal meal for the
travellers. Mayor Howard made a short
speech Of welcome and Charles Crocker
exhibited the golden spike to the crowd,
which ELECTED applause. This place is only
two years old, but it has a population of
1,500, has good public, business and school
buildings, and shows every evidence of
prosperity.
AN IRISH POTATO.
John P Irish was here presented with q
mammoth potato, and L. s. Washburn.
the well-known San Francisco contractor,
created q sensation. He was making his
toilet, and had just donned his pautaloons,
when he saw through the window the in
vitation, help yourself" The train was
just starting, but he leaped from the plat
form, and seizing an immense squash,
weighing 155 pounds, bore it triumphantly
on board, with the exclamation: II could
not steal the City Hall, but can get away
with anything that grows in Oregon"
AT GRANTS PASS
The people were out in force, and gave the
Californians hearty reception. The dis
play of fruits and lumber was very fine.
Upon the side of the depot next the train
was a handsome design in eyergreens,
bearing the words: Welcome, Califor-
MIA" Mayor +. w. Vandyke delivered an
address OF welcome, which was responded
to by Charles CIOcker who also exhibited
the golden spike. John p. Irish was loud
| ly called for, and made a humorous speech.
The assembled crowd gave three cheers for
| Charles Crocker as the train pulled out of
the depot.
INTERCHANGE OF CIvILITIEs
Glendale was reached at ! o'clock, and
here the train carrying the Oregon party
overlook the California train. Members of
the two parties here changed cars. some
Californians boarding the Oregon train.
and vice versa, in order that thew might
become better acquainted and have an in
terchange of views.
THE RECEPTION AT RosEBURG.
SALEM, December ISth.-Roseburg was
reached by the excursion train at 3 O'Clock,
and most enthusiastic reception was met
with at the hands of the people of this
thriving and enterprising city, which
is located in beautiful valley surrounded
on all sides by hills. A band of music was
present. and w. i. Lane delivered an ad-
dress of welcome, in which he said there
was no chasm between Western aud
Southern Oregon and California. They
were of the same family. The interests of
the one were the interests of the other He
claimed that the eXcursionists had come to
them on their wash-day, and invited them
all to come again in the brightness of their
springtime and the blossoming of their
summer, when they would have on Sunday
clothes and the visitors would have no rea-
son to be ashamed OF their country cousins.
NE. CRoCKER's RESPONSE.
Charles Crccker then spoke as follows:
Ladies and Gentlemen and FeLlol0- cit lens of Or
egoH: I am glad to learn from your representa-